Annual Events

Festival Friday 4-Miler (September)

For over 25 years, we’ve kicked off Cooper-Young’s festival weekend with our annual four mile race through the neighborhood. This event not only celebrates the funky, laid back atmosphere of the community, it also provides the majority of our financial support throughout the year. We’ve always got a great crowd, a great neighborhood ready to cheer you on, and a great after party so be sure to check out our event website for up-to-date details on how you can get registered for the best four mile race in Memphis. We rely on a ton of amazing volunteers to make the race happen every year. If you would like to join them, contact us and we’ll get you set up.

Cooper-Young Beerfest (October)

This festival celebrates the brewing tradition that has been alive in America since before its founding. We know there’s a place for big-industry beers, and we certainly enjoy them. But those beers have enjoyed decades of national attention and we want to support the hardworking local brewers who devote their time, talent and energy to making beers that are uniquely their own. Their beers reflect their tastes, their creativity, their experiences: who they are. Their beers say a lot about the folks in our region, too. We’re hard to pigeonhole, easy to love and ready for celebration. This popular event is held every October and acts as one of the main fundraisers for the CYCA. Be sure to check out our event website for more info on this year’s event.

CYCA Elections (March/April)

Each year our membership votes for officers to lead our organization; all members in good standing are eligible both to run and to vote. Terms last for two years and elections are staggered such that each year two positions are up for election.

Community Yard Sale (April)

Every year, residents throughout the neighborhood hold yard sales on the same Saturday in April. This event is organized and promoted as a group effort but each yard sale sets its own prices and details.

Garden Walk (May)

The Cooper-Young Garden Club hosts an annual Garden Walk that treats hundreds of attendees to views of front, back and container gardens. Visit gardens with chickens, beehives, raised beds, funky art, secluded patios, fountains, ponds, outdoor showers, she sheds, organic gardens, a Pagoda, and so much more. Be sure to check out the event website for more info and to purchase tickets.

4th of July Parade (July)

We love this wonderful family-friendly tradition! All are welcome to come out and celebrate the 4th of July with popsicles, side walk chalk, and a short parade near Peabody Elementary. Every year is slightly different but it’s always a blast to hang out with the neighborhood and celebrate this patriotic holiday.

National Night Out (August)

https://natw.org/
This national event is all about getting to know your neighbors and local first responders. Our Block Clubs lead the way with porch and yard parties for their neighbors and the CYCA is happy to provide up to $50 of support for all hosts that register with us.

Light the Way Party (September)

Not everyone’s a runner but we wouldn’t have the best 4-mile race in Memphis without our fantastic yard parties. Residents throughout the neighborhood get together to “light the way”, cheer on our runners, and compete to see who can put on the best show. Everyone who registers a party not only has a chance to win great neighborhood prizes, they also get one free race entry to cheer on that special runner.

Halloween Decorating Contest/Kids Party (October)

Christmas lights are lovely but Halloween decorations bring a fun all their own. Each year, Cooper-Young residents nominate each other to take part in our Great Pumpkin Halloween Decorating Contest with prizes for first, second and third best displays in the neighborhood. We’re also excited to host a kid-friendly Halloween party with snacks, a movie, and safe fun for all.

Suzzane Striker Memorial Food Drive (November)

Named in honor of long-time volunteer Suzzane Striker, this event is all about collecting food for Fishes and Loaves food pantry at First Congregational Church.

Volunteer Appreciation Party (December)

Christmas Eve Bag Stuffing for First Responders (December)

Cooper-Young Festival (September)

The Cooper-Young Festival is a great event, but we don’t manage it! The Cooper-Young Business Association does a fantastic job putting on the festival each year. You can find more information on booths and event details here

Join us for Small Business Saturday – CY Edition! There will be giveaways, music and more. Make sure you stop at the gazebo at Cooper and Young to grab a punch card and a shopping bag (free for members)! More info at this link! Share with everyone you know!

Come discuss Salvage the Bones by Jesmine Ward Monday, Nov. 29. “Salvage the Bones is a 2011 novel by Jesmyn Ward and was the 2011 recipient of the National Book Award for Fiction. The novel explores the plight of a working-class African-American family in Mississippi as they prepare for Hurricane Katrina and follows them through the aftermath of the storm.”